Your home’s exterior works hard year-round in New Jersey, where the weather brings everything from humid summers to freezing winters and nor’easters. The right roofing and siding not only protect against the elements but also play a major role in your home’s energy efficiency. That’s where Haven Roofing Company comes in.
At Haven Roofing, we aim to bring out the beauty in every home in our community with honesty, transparency, and craftsmanship that truly lasts. Whether you’re investing in a new roof installation, updating your siding, or improving your home’s storm resistance, our mission is simple: give you peace of mind, unmatched attention to detail, and real value for your money.
We’re more than just a roofing company. With a background in engineering and a passion for building smarter, stronger homes, our team takes the time to educate homeowners on how each material and installation decision impacts comfort, efficiency, and long-term ROI.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes energy-efficient roofing and siding such a smart investment for New Jersey homeowners, covering the most efficient materials, realistic costs, and what kind of return you can expect over time.
What Is Energy-Efficient Roofing?
Energy-efficient roofing helps your home maintain a stable indoor temperature by reflecting sunlight, reducing heat absorption, and improving insulation. This lowers the amount of energy your HVAC system needs to keep your home comfortable, saving you money on utility bills year after year.
The Science Behind Energy-Efficient Roofs
When sunlight hits a traditional roof, especially a dark asphalt shingle, much of that heat is absorbed into the home, raising interior temperatures. Energy-efficient roofs use reflective surfaces or insulated materials to bounce solar radiation away and reduce the “heat island effect” that raises cooling costs in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
A more efficient roof means your air conditioner runs less in summer and your heater retains warmth in winter, ultimately improving comfort and lowering energy expenses.
What Are Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials?
At Haven Roofing Company, we offer several high-performance roofing materials designed to balance beauty, strength, and energy efficiency.
1. Asphalt Shingles (Cool Roof Options)
Modern architectural and premium asphalt shingles come in “cool roof” versions that use specially coated granules will help to reflect a lot of sunlight and reduce heat absorption. While asphalt is traditionally less reflective, these newer formulations can lower roof surface temperatures by up to 50°F in summer.
ROI potential: Affordable upfront and moderately efficient, making them a great mid-range choice for homeowners focused on both cost and savings.
2. Metal Roofing (Steel, Standing Seam, Corrugated)
Metal is one of the top energy-efficient roofing materials available today. It reflects solar heat naturally and can be coated with high-reflectivity finishes for even greater performance. Because metal roofs cool quickly at night, they help reduce heat retention inside the attic.
Benefits include:
- Lifespan of 40–70 years with minimal maintenance
- Often constructed from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of life
- Potential to reduce cooling costs by up to 25%
- Seamless integration with solar panels
ROI potential: Higher upfront cost, but excellent long-term savings due to lifespan, durability, and lower energy bills.
3. Slate Roofing
Slate is a natural insulator and one of the most durable roofing materials in existence, often lasting over a century. It keeps homes a lot more cool in summer and a lot warmer in the winter months thanks to its density and natural temperature regulation.
ROI potential: Premium cost, but nearly unmatched longevity and performance, ideal for homeowners focused on long-term value.
4. Tile Roofing
Clay and concrete tiles are excellent for regulating temperature, as their shape allows for natural airflow beneath the surface. They resist UV rays, reduce heat absorption, and provide timeless curb appeal.
ROI potential: Strong return over time due to exceptional durability (up to 75 years) and energy savings, though heavier weight requires proper structural support.
5. Commercial Energy-Efficient Roofing (TPO, EPDM, Spray Foam, Built-Up)
For commercial properties, we specialize in TPO and EPDM roofing, both of which are known for their high reflectivity and insulating qualities. Spray foam roofing takes it a step further, sealing every crevice for an air-tight thermal barrier that drastically lowers heating and cooling costs.
ROI potential: Fast payback on large buildings due to lower energy use and extended roof lifespan.
What Is Energy-Efficient Siding?
While your roof takes the brunt of sun exposure, your siding also has a huge impact on your home’s energy profile. Properly insulated siding can reduce heat loss by up to 20% during cold months and protect against excessive heat in summer.
At Haven Roofing, we install a full range of energy-efficient siding options, each offering its own balance of aesthetics, cost, and thermal performance.
1. Vinyl Siding
This siding is one of the most popular choices among homeowners for its affordability, durability, and low maintenance. When paired with an insulated backing, it becomes a strong energy-efficient option.
Is vinyl siding energy efficient? Yes, especially when it includes foam insulation or rigid board backing that reduces air leakage and improves thermal resistance (R-value).
ROI potential: Excellent due to low upfront cost and moderate energy savings. Vinyl is ideal for homeowners wanting efficient upgrades on a budget.
2. Fiber Cement & Hardie Board
Fiber cement siding, like Hardie Board, provides excellent protection against wind, moisture, and temperature swings. It’s denser than vinyl, helping block heat transfer and improve insulation when installed with a moisture barrier and house wrap.
ROI potential: Mid-to-high range. The material’s 50-year lifespan, superior durability, and curb appeal make it one of the best long-term siding investments.
3. Composite Siding
Composite siding combines wood fibers, resins, and polymers for high strength and insulation value. It mimics the look of real wood without the maintenance and warping risks, and it holds heat better than traditional materials.
ROI potential: Excellent insulation performance and aesthetic versatility, which is a strong choice for maximizing long-term efficiency.
4. Wood Siding
Wood is naturally insulating, breathable, and timelessly beautiful. However, frequent maintenance is required to prevent rot or moisture damage. When maintained properly, it performs well in both cold and moderate climates.
ROI potential: Moderate, great for aesthetic value and insulation, but maintenance costs can reduce overall return.
5. Metal Siding
Metal siding (often aluminum or steel) is extremely durable and can include reflective coatings to boost efficiency. It resists fading, pests, and warping, making it an increasingly popular choice for modern homes.
ROI potential: Long-lasting and low maintenance, offering strong ROI through durability rather than pure energy savings.
What Is the Most Energy-Efficient Siding?
If efficiency is your top concern, fiber cement and insulated vinyl siding typically offer the best balance of R-value, weather resistance, and longevity.
- Insulated vinyl siding can add R-values between 2.0 and 4.0 to your walls, cutting heating and cooling costs.
- Fiber cement siding offers slightly lower insulation but far greater lifespan and weather protection, which translates into higher resale value.
In New Jersey’s mixed climate, the most energy-efficient siding is often a combination approach: insulated vinyl for affordability and fiber cement for premium homes seeking long-term energy savings.
Real Costs of Energy-Efficient Roofing & Siding
When it comes to upfront investment, energy-efficient materials can cost more initially than standard options, but the long-term savings and value far outweigh the difference. For example, cool asphalt shingles typically range around $6 and $9 per square foot installed and can lower your home’s cooling costs by up to 15%. Metal roofing costs more upfront, around $10 to $16 per square foot, but it reflects sunlight, cuts energy usage by up to 25%, and can last 50 years or more.
On the premium side, slate and tile roofs have higher price tags, averaging $15 to $30 per square foot installed, but they deliver unmatched strength and can last a lifetime with minimal upkeep. For homeowners planning to live in their homes long-term, the return on investment for these materials often exceeds 100%, since you’ll likely never need to replace the roof again.
Siding costs follow a similar pattern. Insulated vinyl siding generally ranges from $8 to $12 per square foot installed, offering strong thermal performance at an affordable price point. Fiber cement siding, such as Hardie Board, typically costs $10 to $14 per square foot, but its strength, fire resistance, and lifespan of up to 50 years make it one of the highest-ROI exterior materials available.
When you factor in lower monthly energy bills, fewer repairs, and increased property value, the ROI on a new roof or energy-efficient siding upgrade can easily exceed 80–90% over 20 years, and in many cases, those savings begin showing up within the first season.
Long-Term ROI: Why Energy Efficiency Pays Off
- Lower Utility Bills – Energy-efficient materials reduce heating and cooling demands, often cutting energy bills by 10–30%.
- Extended Lifespan – Premium materials like metal, slate, and fiber cement last decades longer, reducing replacement costs.
- Tax Credits & Rebates – Many energy-efficient roofing systems qualify for state or federal incentives.
- Higher Home Value – Homes with upgraded energy-efficient exteriors often sell faster and for higher prices.
- Comfort & Noise Reduction – Better insulation means a quieter, more consistent indoor environment.
When factoring these benefits, the ROI on a new roof or siding upgrade can exceed 100% over the life of the home, especially when combined with energy-efficient windows and attic insulation.
Why Work with Haven Roofing Company?
Choosing an energy-efficient upgrade is only half the equation; the other half is expert installation. At Haven Roofing Company, we ensure every component works together to maximize performance and protect your investment.
We provide:
- Residential Roofing – Repairs, replacements, and drone inspections
- Commercial Roofing – Built-up, spray foam, EPDM, and TPO systems
- Siding Installation – Vinyl, fiber cement, wood, metal, and composite
- Storm Damage Repairs – Emergency tarping, leak repair, and insurance claim support
- Gutter Systems – Seamless, K-style, half-round, and more
Our roofing crew is fully licensed, insured, and certified. We communicate clearly, educate our clients, and never cut corners, because your home deserves the same attention we’d give our own.
Building Smarter Homes with Haven
Investing in energy-efficient roofing and siding isn’t just about saving on utility bills; it’s about creating a more sustainable, comfortable, and valuable home for years to come.
With Haven Roofing Company, you’ll get honest guidance, transparent pricing, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Whether you’re comparing materials or ready to start your next project, we’re here to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Ready to see how much value energy-efficient upgrades can add to your home? Contact Haven Roofing Company today for a free inspection and estimate, and start building a home that works smarter, not harder.
